About Keelings
Keelings is a 100% Irish-owned family business passionate about fresh produce. Operating across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, we grow, source, and supply top-quality fruit and vegetables. Our success is built on innovation, sustainability, and strong partnerships - powered by our dedicated people.
Purpose Of The Role
The role of Crop Protection (Operations) Manager is to manage all aspects of planning and execution of crop protection activities across Keelings Farms (Ireland).
Key Responsibilities
Crop Protection Program Development
Support the agronomy team to develop and implement comprehensive IPM plan for plant health, pest and disease control.
Support the agronomy team to select and recommend suitable biological agents, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to all products utilised in IPM activities.
Equipment Management
Ensure regular maintenance and calibration of application and irrigation equipment.
Coordinate with the maintenance team to ensure all equipment is in optimal condition.
Train and supervise staff in the safe and efficient use of spraying equipment.
Stock Management
Monitor inventory levels to maintain optimal stock without overstocking, track stock movements, conduct regular audits, and manage reorder points.
Coordinate with suppliers to ensure timely ordering and delivery of stock.
Optimise store layout, ensure safety and compliance, and manage store access.
Provide regular reports to management on inventory performance, including stock levels, turnover rates, and potential shortages or excesses.
Ensure all stock management processes comply with relevant regulations and industry standards, managing risks such as obsolescence, damage, theft, and proper documentation of all stock movements.
Records Management
Maintain and secure all stock movement records, including purchases/receipts, movements/internal placements, consumption/usage, and disposal/obsolescence.
Maintain records for applications undertaken (agrochemical, fertilisers, biologicals) and PPE utilisation/disposal.
Team Leadership
Lead and supervise a team of crop protection operators and assistants.
Conduct training sessions to enhance team members’ skills and knowledge.
Coach and mentor the crop protection team, fostering a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and excellence.
Facilitate training programmes to enhance the skillset of the farm teams.
Encourage a positive and collaborative work culture within the farms team.
Risk Management
Develop and implement risk management strategies within your area of responsibility.
Support the farm business unit to deliver integrated risk management processes and procedures throughout the business unit.
Research & Innovation
Drive research and innovation initiatives across the farms.
Identify, develop, and deliver professionally managed research activities to benefit the horticultural industry.
Support the farm team to design, implement, and manage research activities across all areas of the farms.
Support the adaptation of appropriate research and innovation outputs that promote the activities of the farm enterprise in line with overarching strategies.
Work collaboratively with farm management to develop implementation and adaptation strategies for new technologies proven through industry or research activities.
Key Focus Areas
Optimising crop health: Implement effective spray programs to ensure health and productivity of fruit crops.
Environmental sustainability: Balance pest control needs with environmentally sustainable practices.
Regulatory compliance: Ensure adherence to local and international regulations governing chemical applications in agriculture.
Team collaboration: Work closely with farm management, agronomists, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.
Cost management: Implement effective cost management strategies to optimise resource allocation and enhance financial performance.
Risk management: Limit farm exposure to risks through all activities, direct and indirect.
Essential
Key Skills & Knowledge
Excel skills with strong numeracy competency.
Attention to detail.
Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills.
Fluent English.
Certificate in chemical compliance.
Experience in managing spraying.
Full clean driving licence.
Education & Qualifications
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Benefits
Staff discount at Keelings Farm Shop and subsidised canteen.
Free on‑site parking with access to electric chargers.
Wellness initiatives such as wellness week.
Keelings Values
People Matter
Teamwork
Integrity
Passion for Achievement
Inclusion & Diversity Statement
In Keelings we value all perspectives and knowledge that our colleagues bring to our business. We are committed to forming a diverse and inclusive team where all can share their unique experiences and perspectives. We welcome applications from all cultures and backgrounds and are dedicated to forming an environment of inclusiveness and diversity where all can thoroughly feel a sense of belonging.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know at recruitment_keelings@keelings.com
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